Police identify man shot to death near 43rd and Norwood, suspect charged

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Police are investigating a homicide that took place early Sunday morning.

Officers responded to a report of a shooting near 43rd and Norwood Avenue shortly before 1:30 p.m.

Upon arrival, police discovered 54-year-old Samuel Lloyd suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Lloyd was transported to a local hospital where he died hours later.

Police said they have a suspect in custody.

Tirrell A. Middleton

The suspect was identified on Tuesday as Tirrell A. Middleton, 36. Middleton is charged with 2nd degree murder, armed criminal action, and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Investigators said shell casings were found in the basement of the home where the victim was found. After locating Middleton based on a matching description of the reported clothing the suspect was wearing, police said as Middleton was being arrested, he said, “what you’re looking for is in my pocket.”

A .380 handgun was found in the pocket of his jacket with the same calibur as the shell casings found in the basement.

Police said a witness told them Middleton has said several times in the previous few months that he was going to shoot Lloyd.

Middleton told police he shot Lloyd with a revolver after he went to Lloyd’s home and a physical altercation ensued. Middleton said Lloyd shot at him with the .380 handgun during the confrontation. Middleton said the two wrestled to the ground and he disarmed Llyod, but then used his revolver to shoot the victim in the stomach.

Middleton told investigators, “I could’ve when I snatched it from him just walked away.”

Middleton said he then went upstairs and told a witness who was at home at the time to call 911. He then discarded the revolver.

After his arrest, he escorted police to the location of the weapon, where it was recovered by officers.